Tag Archives: Bella Swan/Cullen

2013 has been an extraordinary year here at FanFiction Fridays. We brought you many favourite stories – new, old, borrowed (it’s fanfic!) and some very blue indeed. 😉 You voted, and we are delighted to announce the winners of the FicSix FanFic Fridays poll.

Ask Me Anything ~ Isabella Swan, investigative journalist for Faces magazine doesn’t do interviews. Edward Cullen, actor voted Most Interesting Celebrity and Most Sexy Male Face, hates them. So much in fact he’s been known to walk out if he doesn’t like how the interview is going. So what happens when Isabella is given Edward Cullen as a new interview assignment?

Down Home ~ Sometimes, everything you’re looking for ends up being right where you left it. *Entry for The Heart of Country Contest. 1st Place Silver Spur Award Public Vote, 2nd Place Silver Spur Award Judges Choice, 1st Place Gentlemen Wear White Award (Swooniest Fella) Public Vote and Judges Choice, 2nd Place Hay Ride Award Judges Choice.* Now expanded and complete!

The Cullen Legacy ~ Legacy – A gift; sometimes unknowingly bestowed. Bella met Edward in a London pub, never imagining where each would be 7 years later: he a Congressman fueled by ever-growing political ambition, she the woman with an explosive secret that can end all his dreams. But Bella might soon find that revenge isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and that Edward may harbor his own dark secrets.

Tip of the Spear ~ The “tip of the spear” – in the military, they are the front line; the initial attack that draws first blood. As a CACO in the United States Marine Corps, Capt. Masen delivers that leading blow, too. He’s often faced with handling the collateral damage this life can bring. He’s accepted that love & commitment aren’t for him…until she opens the door.

Fire & Ice ~ FOURTH in the Gravity Series. When one of their own is threatened, the crew will have to travel halfway around the globe to get them back. What they find will have them racing against the odds to save more than just one life. AH E/B Series.

Blood & Glory ~ The definition of a mercenary is a soldier for hire. His crew are trained fighting machines. Hers are smart PIs. What happens when they need each other to survive? Canon couples. AH/AU. Rated M for lots of reasons, including violence and lemons.

A huge thank you to our readers for getting behind their favourite fics and voting!

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The Golden Onion

Our regular readers will know that for the last few years we have celebrated the end of the year with choosing our personal favourite completed story here at Fan Fiction Fridays. We make a short list of stories that have held each of our hearts throughout the year and then choose the story that held our hearts the most. The things we look for are simple, a story that captures our imagination, characters we can fall in love with, the love connection between Edward and Bella that we feel is so important and that element of magic that makes us keep reading and reading (or if it is a WIP when you read it, makes you pounce on the new chapters like a thirsting woman in the desert!).

This year we have chosen The Cullen Legacy by pattyrose. This story was a firm favourite of ours from the first chapter onwards. The riveting first chapter that was set in present time threw all these questions at us, and then how we gradually learnt Edward and Bella’s history and heartbreak. This story has everything we look for in Fan Fiction – wonderfully written, exceptional plot, fabulous characters. Cared and AllyVera reviewed this story way back in April and it was the first story wrote a co-review on – we loved it that much! You can read our review here. We would like to take this opportunity to thank pattyrose for sharing this little piece of reading heaven with us!

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A Personal Note From Five of TheFicSix…

This year of the FicSix would never have happened if it wasn’t for Cared Cullen. She has been our heart, our guiding light, and in so many ways, our visionary. We hope the authors she has helped to promote and the readers who have discovered treasures through her passion will join us in a heartfelt round of cheering, applause and the raising of glasses to our dear friend Cared.

We love you, Cared!!

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IMPORTANT NEWS: It has been a great privilege to all six of us to share the stories we read and loved every Friday without fail through the entirety of 2013. The time has come, though, for us to rest our keyboards. We won’t be posting another FanFiction Friday on Rob Attack. We will still be active individually in the Fandom, but sadly no longer here as the FicSix – although we are still the best of friends, and hope that you will remain our friends too. Seek us out wherever you can find us. We will always look back on this time spent with you in this small sector of the Twilight universe as a very happy one. In Meyer’s words, “No matter how perfect the day is, it always has to end.” Thank you all for sharing our perfect Fridays. The FicSix ~ AllyVera, Cared, Gingerandgreen, ilovealion, Midnight Cougar, Wiltshire Glo.

Carlisle perverts a Christmas classic. See what’s going on in and around the Cullen house on Christmas Eve. This is just for shiggles. M for really dirty humor, smut, and mistreatment of forest creatures. Vampire/human. AU. CPOV

Tie Me Up In Tinsel ~ Edward has always had it bad for sweet and innocent Bella, but avoided her due to his kinky nature. This Christmas could change it all when Bella surprised him with an extra special gift. Merry Christsmut! AH EPOV. Written for the 24 Xmas oneshot contest. WINNER OF THE 24HR SMUTMAS CHALLENGE!!

This amusing and eventful Christmas story is not all about the holidays, it’s about a wedding and seven fun-filled days that lead up to one of the best and most memorable Christmases Bella has ever had. But first we need to meet Bella and Edward a few years earlier…

Chapter 1 – August 2000

The smoke billows from between his lips. I can’t pull my eyes away from them. He’s oblivious to my staring, thank God, but I can’t help feeling ridiculous nonetheless.

I watch, fascinated, as Edward throws his head back, laughing at something one of the other boys has said. If he only knew the effect staring at him—at the green of his eyes, or the way his lips curl around the end of that joint—had on me, he’d probably run for the hills.

I mean, it’s not like he knows me. Not really. We just have the same cousin, Rosalie. My aunt is married to Edward’s uncle, which makes me Rosalie’s cousin on my mom’s side.

Rosalie isn’t only my cousin, though; she’s also my best friend. Tonight, I’m sleeping over at her house. She’s turning fourteen in a few days and we’re celebrating a little early. Edward was at her house earlier and brought us to this party. I’ll be turning fourteen a few weeks after Rose—coincidentally on the same day Edward turns nineteen. This party is sort of an early present for all of us.

So, Bella paints a swoony picture of a 19-year-old Edward Cullen, but, what’s he like today? Well, this mature, brilliant and witty Bella later finds out, when she goes to a snowy mountain resort in Vermont for a “family reunion slash wedding slash Christmas slash Bella-relaxes-by-the-fire-with-wine-and-a-book” holiday vacation…thirteen years later…

That smile and those lips. I haven’t seen him in forever. Rose gave me updates on his whereabouts once in a while, but I never pined for him. I was realistic in my fourteen-year-old addled brain. He was way too old for me, and I was way too much into that douche Eric. Let’s not talk about Eric.

A lot has changed since I was a teenager, but some things haven’t. Edward Cullen is still the hottest boy I’ve ever seen. He’s aged well. Very well, actually.

He’s taller than I remember, as if that’s even possible. His hair is still that organized chaos and those eyes, the deepest shade of sea green. What has changed, though, are some of his features. Gone is that baby face, nineteen-year-old boy, and before me stands a man with a goatee and a day’s worth of scruff on that sharp, lickable jaw of his. My mouth goes dry, and I’m not even sure where I am or what I’m supposed to say.

Indeed, some things do not change.

“Bella?” His eyes sparkle when he says my name, and I’m thrown back to that time when I was thirteen and he was that boy who was too pretty for words and who gave me my first kiss.

I smile huge, showing my teeth; I’m sure my family is as freaked out as I am by my reaction. A small giggle escapes my lips when I say, “Hi, Edward.”

I have a feeling my vacation just got interesting.

It most certainly did, Bella! And it also may have gotten festive and romantic, too, as Bella receives anonymous deliveries, accompanied by “special” one-word cards… I wonder who they could be from and what they mean? A now thirty-two-year-old, handsome, sweet and “musical prodigy” Edward, who never forgot dear Bella after all these years, and may have even pined for her a bit, might just have that answer for you…but why? Well, you’ll have to read and find out, as this story is all written, and will post real-time – each chapter has a date for December and that will be the posting day for that chapter. Merry Christmas!

A collection of one shots for Christmas cheer brought to you by authors that want to spread holiday cheer and good times! All pairings, all genre’s, all ratings, and all different POV’s. These will post every other day!

What’s in Santa’s Sack? Well, it’s not what you’re thinking…toys… *wink*…it’s actually a wonderful collection of holiday stories from numerous different Twilight fanfiction authors. And while each story is unique in its own traditional, merry way, what they do have in common is they all encompass the true spirit of Christmas and good-time cheer of this magical holiday season.

It will be updating throughout the holiday, right up until Christmas Eve. The authors will be posting their stories on their individual profiles on that day. We have eight different stories so far for your reading enjoyment! Happy Holidays!

Chapter 1: Christmas Magic by Alice’s White Rabbit ~ As the holidays approach, Renee must say goodbye to her mother. As she awaits the arrival of Bella, Edward and her other children, Renee fondly reminisces about past Christmases and the role her mother played in all the Christmas magic. As she deals with her grief and the impending holiday, can there be a little more magic left for her?

Chapter 2: All my Heart at Christmas byCullensTwiMistress ~ A rich man with secrets. A simple assistant with a past of her own. Two people on a collision course with destiny. This holiday may just be what both their hearts need. BxE; AH; EPOV; Romance

Chapter 3: Christmas TalesbyDinia Steel ~ It’s a cold winter’s night not too long before Christmas. There’s snow on the ground and Kittybells is hurrying home to get warm and comfortable with Her Human, when her world begins to crash around her. She’s saved by a Ginger-cat and a new adventure begins.

Chapter 4: Just One Wish byTwiddler83 ~ Seven-year-old Annabelle Whitlock has just one wish this Christmas. Can her foster parents, Edward and Bella Cullen, make it come true?

Chapter 6: Code of Christmas byLolo84 ~ A trip to the ‘toy’ store turns into so much more when Bella Swan gets a call from her best friend—A call saying that she saw her boyfriend, Edward, sneaking into a hotel. But what’s he really up to? Two years ago, they broke the code of conduct. Now, Bella’s breaking the Code of Christmas. But some surprises aren’t worth the wait. Romance/Humor.

Chapter 7: Scrooge by kitchmill ~ Ever the Scrooge, Edward Cullen has no interest in celebrating Christmas. Will his attitude change when he find a young woman down on her luck?

Chapter 8: All I Want by WitchyVampGirl ~ From afar, Edward had always wanted Bella. Fearful that his feelings would never be returned, he became her friend. Will one simple letter from a little girl change everything and give them everything they ever wanted?

Christmas Magic ~ One night a year. A long family tradition. When his father retires, Edward Cullen steps into the role he was born to do. Surrounded by magic, elves, and reindeer, he thought he was prepared, until something extraordinary hit him head on. Short E/B Christmas drabble-ish fic.

This adorably sweet, nine chapter, holiday tale is all about romance, the magic of Christmas, some really unique reindeer, a beautiful, shy Elf named Bella and Edward as Santa! *squee*

Chapter 1

Edward’s POV

“It’s time, son,” my father said as I stood and began to pace. “I’m handing over the reins-literally and figuratively-to a new generation.”

I wasn’t sure what to say. I paced some more, raking a hand through my hair as my mother watched with worried eyes. My father looked calm, happy…at peace with his decision.

“I…I won’t have any idea what to do,” I argued, shaking my head. “You can’t just expect me to step in and fill your shoes, Dad.”

“Edward-” my mom started, but she quieted as my father stood, stopping me with his hands on my shoulders so he could look me in the eyes.

“Son, do you think I had any clue when your grandfather retired?” He chuckled, shaking his head. “I was scared to death, too. But you can do this. Your mother and I have faith in you, Edward. You just have to have faith in yourself.”

After a moment, I nodded, huffing out a breath. “Faith. Right.”

I could do this. I mean, I was born to do it, right? The men in my family had been doing it for nearly a thousand years. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t still scared out of my wits.

After all, my father had just said I was now the one and only Santa Claus.

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Grace Like Snow ~ During a wintry trek back to college, after Christmas break, Bella swan finds her own amazing grace. *one shot*

Twenty-year-old Isabella Swan had a wonderful Christmas and New Year at home in Forks with her mom and dad, but now that the holiday was over, it was time to head back to college in Seattle. Much to her parents chagrin, because of the frightful winter weather, she hops in her car, turns on her favourite song “Grace Like Rain” and begins the trek back to school. The drive is quite uneventful for a time as Isabella enjoys her music and the wintry sights; that is until…

…my car came to an abrupt stop. Right smack dab in between the ditch and the pole against an icy snow bank. My side, back door was literally within inches of crashing into the telephone pole. I sat there in disbelief, with my heart pounding; Grace Like Rain continued to play in the background.

But, as Isabella discovers, after surviving this accident unscathed, and as she looks for help, life’s graces come in many forms, and to her wondrous pleasure, she finds one whom she never thought would “grace” her life again…

As I looked up at him from my vantage point in the driver’s seat, when he walked back around to my window, it dawned on me. I did know this man. At least I thought I did. He didn’t usually have so much growth on his face; but as his cheeks reddened in the cold and his eyes became alight with exertion, I knew it had to be him.

“Professor Masen?” I asked, unsure. “Is that really you?”

The man’s piercing, green eyes shot up to my face, searching it for some clue as to how I knew him.

“Oh, right, yes, Bella,” he muttered, peering in to look closer at me, his eyes showing a flicker of recognition. “I’m sorry; I, um, didn’t recognize you all bundled up and outside of school.” He cleared his throat. “It’s, ah, been a while since I last saw you.” His voice seemed to betray some emotion, but I was uncertain what it was I was hearing.

What do you think she was hearing from this British Professor Masen? *wink* …as you ponder that answer, just remember…this is an Edward and Bella Holiday story! Happy New Year!

In Every Life (A Little Snow Must Fall) ~ Life happens. It passes us by in fleeting moments filled with unexpected encounters. It gives us choices to say and do the right thing. And chances to make it better, even when our choices were wrong. A short holiday story.

*Sigh* where do I begin? The exquisite writing, the intriguing storyline or the fabulous characterisations? Maybe instead I’ll start with a name….cosmogirl7841. I think that says it all! 😉

This delicious little tale begins with Bella trudging home in the driving snow and meeting her grumpy neighbour under less than auspicious circumstances… Trust me – these two anti-social, awkward, filterless, but adorable people will melt your heart and make it ache. I don’t want to say too much, as currently at sixteen short chapters in, their personalities and motivations are just beginning to reveal themselves.

However, I will say that Edward’s grump-tastic attitude and Bella’s independent streak are definitely covering up completely different feelings from outward appearances!

“You’re so weird,” he says, exasperated. “Why are you so fucking weird?”

“I don’t know,” I tell him. “Probably for the same reason that you’re so fucking mean.”

That’s probably the briefest extract I’ve chosen all year, but it made me giggle – they make me giggle, and it kind of sums up their starting point. They are so endearing it’s hard waiting for my daily snippet of their story, and I dive on every update with delight. I know there’s more to them than meets the eye and I’m very glad that they’re facing bad weather – together!

If her other stories have passed you by, get out from under your rock, start reading them now – and you’re welcome, Happy Christmas!

Long Way to Christmas ~ She is brilliant and beautiful, and well respected at a very young age in her field, but she is all alone. No family. No friends outside of work. He is alone by choice, punishing himself for the sins of his past, but he has family to give him strength. Will a chance encounter, and a daily trip out of her way lead her to the family and place of belonging she so craves? AH/AU MA

That’sMzPeachesTYVM tells us at the start of Chapter 1, “It won’t look like it until the end of the chapter, but this is a Christmas story. The plan is to post a chapter a day until Christmas’ Eve. And yes, it does appear to be a long way to Christmas but I’m enjoying every step of the journey. The sweet storyline, combined with the loving and lovable Cullen family, keeps me reading daily, but I admit, it was the compelling characters of Edward and Bella that initially drew me in.

Bella has a brilliant mind, is beautiful inside and out, and has an amazingly successful career as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. You might think, how perfect. But no! Unfortunately, she’s has been dealt a rough hand in life as far as family is concerned, and she is alone in the world, but worse than that…she is lonely. Pure chance takes her into Edward’s small store where…

She shook herself free of her lonesome thoughts, and looked around. The small store was homey feeling, and clean. As she approached the glass enclosure to look at the treats on display, her stomach grumbled. She heard a soft, deep chuckle from behind the counter at the coffee machine.

As Bella turned to ascertain to whom the laugh belonged, she was rooted in place by sea-green eyes. Utterly mesmerized, she didn’t even hear the words being spoken to her until that same chuckle reverberated through her ears once again.

“Are you okay,” said a soft baritone voice “is there something I can get for you?”

Bella blinked, and cleared her throat as she tried to pull herself together, and stop gaping. Those eyes, Gah!

“Oh, yes. Yes, I’m fine.” Bella blushed. “I-I was just looking at your display case, trying to figure out what I want to treat myself to.”

“From the sounds of it, you haven’t eaten yet,” said the man with the gentle timbre and the beautiful green eyes. “How ’bout you let me fix you something substantial, and a cup of coffee before you dive into the sugar?” There was a twinkle in those verdant orbs.

Bella looked down to her purse clasped in both hands, shaking her head to clear her thoughts as her blush began to spread from her cheeks to her ears and down her neck. She looked back up to take in the whole of the man behind the counter, reminding herself to show no expression at her perusal. She failed. Her lips parted and a small gasp escaped her as she beheld a wild crop of hair the color of a well used penny, high cheek bones, sharp-angular jaw, and a beautifully anfractuous smile. He was quite tall—she estimated six foot two or three—with an athletic build. He was very handsome, and had a piercing gaze. She sucked in a deep breath, hoping that an influx of oxygen might help clear her head so that she could speak coherently.

Just in case you are not attracted to Edward by that delicious description – wait until you hear this ladies – Edward Cullen is a chocolatier! OME! We discover later that he is a good person, hard-working, and loves his family. What a perfect combination in a man! There is a slight snag though. Edward is a reformed manwhore who deems himself unworthy of the good doctor – he puts her on a pedestal – such a classically Edward thing do to. While Bella calls in for coffee and treats practically every day, and is soon adopted by the Cullen family, Edward, despite his growing attraction and attachment to her, keeps himself firmly in the friend zone. He really is so cute in how he cares for Bella though, in little ways such as making her a packed lunch, but it’s not until the women in his family make him wake up and smell the coffee that he decides to woo her. Sigh!

Long Way to Christmas is quintessentially a love story; a lovely story and perfect reading for this time of year, as although it opens well before the season of goodwill, it does also feel like a Christmas story. It’s heart-warming!

Order a cup of coffee and a hand made chocolate from Edward, perhaps one of Alice’s pastries too, then pull up a comfy chair to witness the wooing.

Santa And The Bearded Elf ~ Santa, a bearded elf, a closet, and the most amazing kiss… definitely a good deed with a difference for Bella Swan. But what if her Santa turned out to be someone a little closer to home, maybe a little too close to home? How does she tell him who she really is? A fun, little Christmas story with daily updates finishing on Christmas Day.

Updates one chapter per day and it will finish on Christmas Eve with an epilogue to follow on Christmas Day.

This yuletide tale is pure joy to read; it’s sweet and funny with fabulous larger than life characters.

Edward is a doctor who gets roped in to dressing up as Santa in order to bring presents and good cheer to the children’s ward in his hospital. That’s quite a normal thing for a man…a nice man…to do, right? The making out with an elf in a closet afterwards – while both still bearded – err, not quite so much! It’s no wonder Edward can’t get the startling and very out of character experience out of his mind…

I was about to start my rounds when I found myself standing outside the janitors closet… thinking… remembering. The thought of that kiss… damn.

I’d been intrigued by the cute little elf anyway, even in the beard and that really bad outfit there was something about her. Of course, the beard could have been hiding black teeth and actual man stubble, but I’d tried not to think about that. As it turned out, any fears about what she looked like underneath the costume were unfounded, because I’d been about to take the ridiculous suit off when she’d burst into the room and started stripping off.

Like some dirty, little pervert I’d watched and then she bent over right in front of me—in just a thong. I would be eternally grateful for the huge pants and padding which concealed my instant boner.

It was totally out of character for me. I wasn’t spontaneous or passionate, and I’d never felt attraction like that to a total stranger, but I’d been completely unable to help myself and I’d kissed her. Like an asshole, I didn’t even talk to her or move my beard… I didn’t even move hers.

Shit, what if it wasn’t fake?

Elfphilia anyone? 😉

Bella, a volunteer at the hospital, is an absolute sweetheart and immediately made me long to be her friend. I so love the way she gets herself into scrapes and makes me laugh with her sweet nature, her kindness and her generosity of spirit; the polar opposite of Edward’s girlfriend, Tanya. It is Christmas after all, so I’ll be restrained in my description of Tanya. Just bring to mind, if you will, movie characters such as The Wicked Witch of the West, The Snow Queen and Cruella DeVille – Bella accurately describes Tanya as Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada. This is where I mention that Tanya is a pretentious model and also Bella’s boss. Join the dots ladies!

Honestly, this story has all the makings of one of those American TV shows where a group of cousins all declare some scrawny creep to be their “baby daddy”. Why? This story is a love triangle with a difference…it’s sort of a quadrangle…but it’s not. And Edward, who is caught in the middle, now seems to be realising he can’t do anything but smile when he’s with a certain Elf…even when he hasn’t joined all the dots himself.

Oh, I’ll tell you one more thing before I head off to search for Santaward in a closet…Daddy C, or Dr. C as Bella calls him, is a DILF!

The Letter, The Cat & the Holly and Ivy ~ A Christmas short story with daily updates concluding on December 25th. Short chapters. Newly qualified English teacher, Bella Swan, and Head Teacher, Edward Cullen, are totally hot for each other, but their work and other unforeseen circumstances keep them from getting together. Will they get their Happily Ever After at Christmas?

Before I tell you anything about his story, I want to lay claim to a new acronym – HTILF – Head Teacher I’d like to…well, you know. *moving on from naughty fantasy* 😉

29-year-old Bella has just completed her teacher training at a school that is lucky to have the well-respected, charismatic, 35-year-old Mr. Cullen as headmaster. She has a crush on him, but never imagines the unattainable object of her desire could reciprocate her feelings; she believes him to be out of her league.

Shall we have a peep at this charming man from BPOV ladies?

Edward Cullen was the Head Teacher at Meyer High. He was thirty-five, young to be a Head, but anyone who spent five seconds in a room with him would realise that he was a phenomenal teacher and a great leader.

I was moving on to my first job as a fully qualified teacher at Volturi Academy, across the city, but desperately wished that I could stay put. I couldn’t deny that his leadership was one of the reasons I wanted to stay so badly … that, and the fact that he was completely and utterly fuckhot. Even his handwriting was beautiful and sexy. My heart thrummed with anticipation.

After a few deep breaths, a drink of cold water and a spritz of my favourite freesia and jasmine perfume, I walked over to his office and tentatively knocked on the door.

“Come in,” he called in his clear, smooth voice.

“Err, hi. I got your note,” I said as I entered his office.

“Great. Thanks for dropping by. Please, have a seat.” He gestured to a chair in front of his desk, and I slid into it. “Excuse me a moment whilst I finish typing this email.”

“Of course.” I sat there quietly for a minute, the only sound in the room being the furious clicking of his long fingers against the keys.

I didn’t mind. It gave me ample opportunity to admire his Adonis-like features. His mop of unruly auburn hair, and his deep green eyes that were highlighted by tiny laugh lines at the corners. His perfectly straight nose and perfectly square jaw. And the scattering of tiny freckles across his cheeks. His long, muscular forearms and his lean, broad chest. Of course, he was sitting down, but on numerous occasions previously, I had admired his pert, tight behind in his trousers.

OME! *reaching for smelling salts*

Edward is completely professional and wouldn’t consider jeopardising their careers while she works under him…no pun intended. However, he does allow himself “a couple of moments to fantasise about the delights I was convinced she possessed under her smart, demure work clothes”. As a parting gift he presented Bella with a hardback copy of the collected works of Jane Austen, her favourite author, with a thoughtful inscription inside. I don’t want to give too much away here, but at this stage he also slipped in “The Letter” from the story’s unique title.

Capricapra says, “If you’re after a daily updating, sweet, low-angst ExB HEA story, why not give it a try?” Yes, it’s that and more. Bella is not the only one snorting with laughter in this fic…I was too. Between the antics of Mr Wibbles, Alice’s giant tabby, slightly antisocial infamous cat from the title, to the antics of said cat’s owner, also Bella flat mate, and kind of wild Angela and a tabletop dancing Esme, there is much to make me giggle. For example, Alice over shares on the size of Jasper’s pierced “thingy”, which she can describe along with his talents in “glorious detail” to Bella,but cannot bring herself to say the actual word. 😉

Can I just say here, on a side note to capricapra, pictures or it didn’t happen! *wink*

This fun pre-written story will consist of 22 chapters and an epi, which will post on Christmas Day.

The Brightest Star ~ Porn stars, suburbia and Christmas lights. Sometimes the brightest star shines in the darkest places. And sometimes you’re so blind you can’t see it. E x B AH and full of smut. Happy Christmas from me!

This little beauty only started posting last night, and will consist of seven chapters, which are already written, posting right up until Christmas. Chocaholic warns us “that it’s a little smutty and dirty. I don’t think I’ll be on the ‘nice’ list this year ;(.” *Rubbing my hands together gleefully.* You are on my nice list Chocoholic! 🙂

21-year-old Bella comes home from college to mom Renee and step-dad Phil for the Christmas holidays. She has lived in LA most of her life but still finds it hard to accept the heat at Christmastime. This fabulously witty Bella blames Walt Disney for her desire for a snow-covered ground and for making her…in her own words…a sentimental sap. She discovers there is a new, young, male next door neighbour – but before visions of Flynn Ryder or Prince Charming dance in your heads – read on…

“His name is Edward Cullen, and I sincerely hope you’ve never heard of him before.” Mom’s reply is cryptic, and I look to Phil for more information.

A blush rises up his neck, and I can’t help but gape at his embarrassment. Who the hell is Edward Cullen?

“He’s in the adult film industry.” Mom whispers the last three words, as if she can barely bring herself to say them. She glances down at her nails, turning her hand over like she is inspecting them, trying to look anywhere but at me.

I start to laugh. “He’s a porn star?” I want to run back out to the driveway and take a good look. “A porn star has moved in next door … for real?” I’m itching to get on Facebook and update my status. I’m going to dine out on this for weeks. It’s not every day that a guy who fucks for a living moves into the bungalow next to yours. Suddenly, my day has gotten very interesting.

And so has this story! Mmmh! Beauty and the Pornstar has a certain ring to it. 🙂

Belong To Me~ A last minute decision. A dead car. One long, cold walk. Soft eyes and gentle care warm up Edward’s cold hands and start to thaw out his frozen heart. What happens when two lonely souls meet at Christmas? Do miracles still exist? Can they possibly belong to each other?

What do we like in a Christmasward? Shy; sweet; humble; geeky glasses adorning a handsome face; rich enough to give an angel the world, but unaffected by material trappings for himself? I must say that for me, after a day spent negotiating the madness that is Christmas, Edward’s Eternal‘s Edward is a soothing balm. As good as a cuppa and a hobnob, and I’m a Brit, so you know how much that means to me!

Edward is stranded in a freezing nowhere when his car breaks down on his way to surprise his ungrateful relatives for Christmas. Who does he find in a friendly diner, warming up his hands, his feet and his heart?

“Here,” a soft voice spoke close to my ear.

I opened my eyes, meeting concerned ones of the lightest ice-blue I had ever seen. They were filled with worry as they met mine, the emotion in them so easy to see. I couldn’t remember the last time I had seen anyone look at me with such concern. It was an unusual feeling. Unable to break the gaze, I blinked and a deep ‘V’ appeared between the lovely eyes. “Can you talk?”

I cleared my throat and sat up. “S-sorry. Yes.” My voice sounded rough as if I hadn’t spoken for days rather than only hours. “C-cold, I’m so cold.”

A cup appeared in front of me and gratefully I grabbed for it, only to have it slip from my cold hands and rattle back into place on the saucer.

I cursed quietly and looked back up at the warm gaze. The woman attached to the lovely eyes, smiled in understanding and lifted the cup to my mouth, helping me drink the warm liquid. Her hand cupped the back of my head; its heat burning my cold skin as I gulped the coffee down greedily. She sat the cup down, a small smile on her face when she saw it was empty.

“Better?”

I nodded, feeling the warmth seep through my body. “Much. Thank you.”

Don’t let the blue eyes fool you – that’s our Bella. She’s an angel in disguise. Things spice up quickly for this pair of sweethearts, and they need to, because we have only been promised four chapters. The final one will be posted on Monday, when we can expect an HEA as an early Christmas gift. Thank you so much EE, and thank you Mid-Night Cougar (Beta) too, for putting aside your families in order to bring us a small slice of heaven. We are truly grateful!

The Christmas Present ~ Edward is Bella’s best friend. He’s also hopelessly in love with her. When Bella lands her dream job…in California…will he finally tell her how he feels, or will he let her go and hope that someday she’ll return to him? Will Edward’s Grandma take control and force them to see what they’ve been missing? A Christmas-y tale of secret love, big dreams & breaking hearts. AH, E/B, M

Ever since reading beegurl13’s great story “If He Would Have Been Faithful” earlier in the year, I have been keen to read more of her work, and this week I have been able to do that with her wonderful short story The Christmas Present.

This heart-wrenching little gem is a little different to the normal unrequited love story between our E & B. Often these tales are about Bella pining away for Edward, but in this one, the roles are reversed.

Edward has been in love with his best friend Bella for as long as he can remember, and fearing rejection and the loss of his best friend, Edward doesn’t comes clean with her, letting her walk away from him to pursue her dreams.

It all seems a bit hopeless, but as always, there are two sides to every story, and I must say, this is a beautiful one – it captures the spirit of the season and the belief that yes, miracles can happen.

It’s that time again, our dear Fan Fiction Friday readers! We have compiled a list of all the stories that have been reviewed on Fan Fiction Fridays during 2013 and we need your help to choose which is the best!!

Imagine the scene, you’ve had a bad day…don’t want to go home just yet…maybe a little company will help…perhaps a tasty drink. The warmth and anonymity of a bar…a warm pair of eyes, a trustworthy smile, a sympathetic ear, maybe a sexy ass…ohhhhh! *fans self* Who needs alcohol when Barward is on duty?

And the world just became a better place; heart lightened, smile in place, you’re ready to party and celebrate life!

Raise your glasses to Edward and enjoy him in all his bartending glory! Cheers! 😉

The Right Guy ~ Bella always finds the wrong guy. The one who can’t satisfy her, ahem, needs. The one who really wants her best friend, Rosalie. But even if she never finds the Right Guy, there’s always a glass of wine and the sympathetic ear of Edward, her faithful barman.

Looking for a kind, patient Edward? The kind who watches, waits, bides his time? All the while seeing the lovely Bella make mistake after mistake, often finding great hilarity in her ability to attract the wrong guy. Have no fear though, Bella is no wanton hussy, she’s just a friendly, if somewhat naïve girl who finds herself in a more than a few awkward situations. This is a lovely short-ish fic that will make you smile all the way through and warm your heart.

Edward is, of course, tending his bar when they meet and become the best of friends. He fulfills both roles of friend and the discreet all-knowing, all-seeing barman, so he is privy to all her deepest secrets. They clearly adore each other, but she just doesn’t see HIM. Until she does. *sigh*

Edward looked down at the books again, scratching the scruff on his chin. He hadn’t shaved in a couple of days.

“I don’t think that there’s anything wrong with that. It doesn’t make you shallow; it’s just not what you want for yourself. If you’re serious about a guy, you want him to be serious about you too and serious about your future together. Maybe a guy who has yet to move out of his parent’s house and get a full-time job isn’t serious enough for a woman like you. There’s someone better out there for him.”

“And me?”

“And definitely someone better for you.” He smiled, his eyes on mine. “The right guy could be right under your nose.”

I smiled, feeling much better with myself as a person.

“Thanks Edward. This is why you own a bar. You’re full of worldly wisdom and have a sympathetic ear.” I took another fry and Edward sighed heavily, pushing the bowl towards me.

The Right Guy is a feel good story, and let’s face it, we all know where this is going, but the getting-there is charming, sweet, funny and will cheer any afternoon.

The Machine Shop ~ College graduate, Bella Swan, needs a job to pay for the student loans on a useless degree. Owner of the famous Machine Shop, Edward Cullen, is looking for a waitress, but there’s a lot more to their stories.

When Bella is unable to find work after graduating she is persuaded to apply for a job at The Machine Shop, a bar renowned for the top bands that play there. Immediately there’s spark of attraction between Bella and her new boss, Edward…but admitting it is another thing.

Despite him being dark and often brooding, there is something about Edward that gets under her skin, makes her want to know more. Edward definitely wants to know everything about Bella, but there are inner demons that he’s scared will be unleashed should he take that step…so he remains aloof. Luckily others around him notice and decide to force the issue.

EPOV

I moved over to the raised merch section in the back of the bar, so I could get a bird’s eye view. I met Bella’s eyes as she stood off to the side, watching the show. It was getting towards the end of the set and the drink orders tended to slow down a little. I smiled at her and she smiled back slightly, but there was reluctance there. I looked away quickly. It was fucking stupid to lust after her since I knew from her paperwork that she was not even twenty-three. I was an old man in comparison.

I took my hat off, catching a look at the word ‘suicidal’. I ran my fingers through my hair and slid it back on, facing the word behind me. It was symbolic if I really thought about it too hard.

“Hey, everything looks good. It’s been a good night. No fights, no bullshit, and a few hot women in almost nothing,” Emmett quipped as he leaned on the stool next to me. I nodded my head at him in agreement, never taking my eyes off Bella who was back to walking in the crowd.

“I noticed that you seem to be keeping a close eye on our new girl,” he commented after a short silence.

“I just want to make sure she’s doing her job. Nothing more, Em,” I said, giving him a shitty look.

“Whatever you say, Edward. Whatever you say.

Bella finds herself -and her best friend Rosalie- rapidly and wholeheartedly welcomed by the close team working at the bar, and embraced into their warm and loving ‘family’, their lives are irrevocably entwined, troubles shared. There are no doubts that they stand together, despite the challenges they face

It’s difficult not to give too much of the plot away, but one thing you’ll never doubt is that they care deeply, are loyal and their love is strong – and maybe that’s just the catalyst for Edward to resolve his issues

I love this description of Edward through Bella’s eyes…

His smell was heady and rustic, like pine and wild flowers, but completely manly despite the floral scent. It was just simply Edward, almost a contradiction. Much like the tough tattoos and soft eyes of the man himself.

There is something so touching about a seemingly tough guy being hurt and vulnerable, and this Edward will tug at your heartstrings just a little, but it’s so worth it as it makes the story end that much sweeter.

Cullen’s Roadhouse ~ Bella Swan is adrift. She’s got a worthless college degree, bills, two friends, a shitty apartment, and too many ex-boyfriends. Swearing off men seems like a good idea, at least until she can figure out how to pour a proper beer and make some cash to get her head above water at Cullen’s Roadhouse. It’s an apron that sets her off. An apron, some Levi’s, and a tall glass of Diet Coke.

Let me introduce you to a great Bella! Bright, breezy, and with very little filter, she really is a treat to read, We meet her as she’s learning the ropes of tending bar from an older-than-usual Lauren. Cullen’s Roadhouse is a family-run establishment and although Edward is mainly behind the scenes at the bar, he definitely has a strong presence!

*Warning!* I’ve never really thought of an apron as sexy before, but OME, what a visual!!

About the time I get so frustrated that an exasperated “Fuck!” slips past my lips, I catch a glimpse of something decidedly male through the straggles of matted, stinky hair escaping my long braid. I look up from the ice, and he breezes right along the hallway.

He’s wearing a black Cullen’s Roadhouse t-shirt, a pair of Levi’s, and a fucking apron. Really. He’s got a white apron looped low around his hips, just folded and tied around his waist like a dirty towel. His hair, a riot of gold and red and brown, but mostly red, flops into his eyes, which are – maybe brown? Green? I’m not sure, he’s flashing me a smile, and he’s gone. I watch him take the two steps down into the kitchen, his ass perfectly framed by the apron at his hips. His long fingers are curled around a Styrofoam cup in one hand, and a clipboard in the other.

If my thighs weren’t already soaked with beer and ice, I might have a problem right now. He had dimples. At least one anyway, and a smile that just lit me up and blew me out in front of God and country and Lauren.

I become aware that I’m clutching her arm when she says, “Ow. Bella?”

“Who was that?”

She rubs her arm and glances back toward the kitchen, into the din of noise where Adonis just descended. “Who, Edward? He works here, manages back of house.”

“Edward. Oh. Edward Cullen?”

“Yeah. Remember what I said –”

My mouth is dry but my pussy is really, really wet. I don’t care how gross it sounds. It’s true. I think I may be working on a contact orgasm, but without the contact. I rasp at her, testing out if my voice still works. “Diet Coke.”

“Yep.”

The shovel/ice spade in my hand is so cold, but it feels good because it’s so much hotter in here than it was before, and God knows it was hot then.

“Does he have a girlfriend?” I don’t care how forward I am. I want to know.

Lauren’s nose snurls. It’s universal chick body language for this shit is complicated. “Yeah. They just moved in together a few months back, I think. We don’t see her much in here. But they’re still together.”

“Not for long.”

I don’t realize I’ve said it out loud till Lauren starts laughing but I am serious as a fucking heart attack. I know, I know I said I was through. I swore off men. I moved here, even though it was James’s fucking hometown, and I swore him and Jacob and all of them off, but fuck.

Edward Cullen looks sexy as sin in an apron.

I have to have him.

You know she’s going to make good on that, but in the meantime I’m enjoying seeing the cast of slightly OOC characters, who bring depth and pathos to the story. Only ten chapters in, this WiP is one worth watching for its originality, and to see if Bella, her southern accent, daisy dukes and tempting ways can beguile Edward. I’m hopeful, in fact, I don’t think he stands a chance…!

*TGBMcCray’s fanfiction.net avatar*

TGBMcCray says, “My avatar is how I see Edward in Cullen’s Roadhouse. His bar’s shirt, otherwise it’s mostly flannel and jeans.”

When Wiltshire Glo proposed the idea of a Barward post, I admit he was not one I thought of as being a favourite Ward, but that all changed once I recalled all the brilliant Barward fics I’d previously read and enjoyed. How had I forgotten just how sweet and sexy some of the Barwards and their stories are?

*Goes off to fantasyland where I’m the one in Bella’s shoes*

Sigh!

Can you imagine the temptation you would be faced with when Barward leans suggestively across the highly-polished bar, gives you one of his patented sexy smirks and asks, “what’s your pleasure?” Be honest now, can any one of you put your hand on heart and say you would resist asking for a naughty sounding cocktail? I know I wouldn’t! I suspect I may go so far as to beg for order positions cocktails such as a ‘Long, Hard Screw Against the Wall’ or a ‘Screaming Orgasm’…preferably both together! LOL

One Bartender, Shaken and Stirred ~ Winner of the Public Vote in the Curvaceous & Bodacious Contest – thank you for your votes! Collab w/Iadorepugs-Edward Cullen owns the popular nightclub Eclipse where image is supposedly everything. When plus-sized Bella Swan is drafted into helping out at Eclipse what will they both learn about images? One Shot

The shaken and stirred bartender in question here is hot and intense, there is no denying it, but for me, it’s Bella who makes this a great fic. Why? She is curvaceous and bodacious, and beautiful both inside and out. She is confident, comfortable in her own skin, witty…feisty even. As they are short-staffed, Alice, one of Edward’s partners at Eclipse, persuades Bella to work waiting tables at the nightclub… Narrow minded Edward likes a certain look for his staff – “super skinny supermodel types with perfect figures” – something Bella is not!

BPOV

I took a deep breath, glad that I was pissed, otherwise I would be drooling as usual at the sight of the Greek God in front of me. He had to be one of the most handsome men I’d ever seen, with reddish-brown hair that was messy and wild, combined with lush emerald green eyes that studied me speculatively. He was tall, over six feet, with broad shoulders and muscular arms that were showcased by the black tee shirt he wore. But no matter now good looking he was, I didn’t appreciate his attitude towards me when I was here to do a favor for him.

Don’t worry that Edward appears to be a bit of an Assward at the beginning; all is not as it seems and by the end he more than redeems himself. 😉

Gravity ~ What happens when Edward, a handsome bartender, offers Bella a shoulder to cry on after a rough day at work and discovers they have more in common than they thought? For SassyK. Fandom Gives Back One-Shot. Rated M for dirty dirty things.

Edward enjoys a quiet life and doesn’t like to rock the boat so tending bar in Black, “an unassuming joint”, a few blocks away from the University of Washington Medical Center, suits him perfectly…

EPOV

My favorite patrons were usually the nurses who came in from the hospital after a long shift, and there were several that I had struck up interesting friendships with over the two years I had worked there. There were the flirty nurses like Tanya, Jessica and Lauren, who even though they all steady boyfriends, didn’t seem to hesitate in asking me out. I never dated a patron though; it just wasn’t worth my time or aggravation since Charlotte frowned on any of her employees dating customers. However, that wasn’t completely true because there was one frequent visitor to the bar I would consider dating, but she never once showed any signs of interest in me, much to my frustration.

The frequent customer who stars in both his dreams and daydreams is Bella, a pediatric nurse…

Usually when they were at Black, I spent a little too much time watching Bella. Well, a little too much to be considered healthy for a normal man, but I couldn’t help it. She was beautiful. Bella had big round chocolate colored eyes that worked in perfect harmony with her long brown hair that she usually kept in a ponytail. Some nights when she came in, she would pull the elastic from her hair and shake it out, letting it fall down her back as my pants found themselves getting rather snug from the sight. It was on those nights that I thanked god that I was behind the bar, because there was nothing more stunning then Bella with her hair down.

Eventually Edward’s policy of being “willing to listen” pays off much better than he ever expected, gravity will not be denied, and so the owner’s policy of no fraternising with the customers is thrown out with the slops. This Gravity cocktail is sweet, hot, romantic – enjoy!

Olympic Rain and Novocain is a beautifully written, moving story of that I read a few years back, and have not forgotten. As AddiCakes says “If you’re in the mood for some angst and dark secrets mixed with romance & sexual tension, please give my little story a try. I promise you will not be disappointed!” I know I wasn’t!

Bella is a lonely soul from Mississippi working as a diner waitress and living in Forks with her police chief father. Perhaps residing in Forks would be a more accurate description as she is not living, merely existing; she is sad, depressed and is hiding from life. Her relationship with Charlie is pretty miserable and I could have cried for Bella when he forgot her 19th birthday, though paradoxically, that turns out to be the best thing he ever did for her. She decided to spend the night out doing whatever she wanted, in a different town, with different people—a little birthday indulgence.

BPOV

Engine rattle and radio static are all that keep her company as she makes the hour-long drive east on the one-oh-one. It does not matter that she’ll probably end up standing by herself in the corner of the club. It also does not matter that she’ll be forced to wear one of those orange bracelets signifying she’s underage. What does matter is that the few remaining hours of her nineteenth birthday are not spent listening to her father’s snoring.

How I admire both her bravery and her attitude!

Movement on the stage rescues Bella from sinking any further into a miserable reverie. She eyes the young bartender stepping into plain sight, a barstool in one hand and a guitar in the other. A spotlight shines from the floor, illuminating his lean, yet muscular, form. He is tall—six feet, at least. His attire is casual, a navy blue t-shirt, dark jeans and black Converse sneakers. His short sleeves reveal the sinewy definition in his arms as he adjusts the mic stand to his liking. He runs a nervous hand through his untidy brown hair—or perhaps, it’s auburn. She can’t be certain in this lighting.

The distracted audience fails to take notice of him until they hear the tweaking of his guitar strings. More heads turn in attention when he clears his throat. But as for Bella Swan, she is captivated by him long before he croons the first verse…

And so Bella discovers her Novocain…her own personal brand of heroin…Edward! I wish I could say ‘and they all lived happily ever after’ at this point, but I can’t. Temporary solutions to pain are just that – temporary. Bella and Edward, for he has his own secret to confront, have growing to do. Their initial friendship develops into a relationship as they travel down the road of forgiveness, reconciliation and acceptance of their pasts that cannot be changed.

Set aside a few hours for reading this as once you start, you won’t want to stop.

Sandstone Cove ~ I came here looking for some rest, some relaxation…some downtime. I never expected to find anything else. I certainly never expected to find him. Written for Marvar’s birthday because I love her. Rated M for reasons.

It’s no secret that the legendary Cosmogirl7481 writes the best birthday presents for her beta and bestie, Marvar, and we, her loyal readers, are the lucky ones to also reap the benefits! I’ve been a Cosmo fan for quite some time now; read just about every word she’s written, and Barward, in Sandstone Cove, is simply another reason why I enjoy her stories so much. This romantic Edward, who will make you swoon and fan yourself with his sweet, sometimes dirty words and sexy demeanor, is swept into Bella’s vacation world with the waves of a sandy tide…

I can feel the soft, worn wood under my legs as I sit on the railing of the boardwalk. The sun is just now rising over the ocean – vivid flecks of yellow, pink, and just a hint of lavender fill the horizon that seems so far off, and yet, I feel as if I could reach out and touch it.

And just like the colors, everything seems hazy.

I came here looking for some rest, some relaxation…some downtime.

I never expected to find anything else.

I certainly never expected to find him.

…I hear his voice behind me. “I thought I’d find you here.”

He presses up against my back and his arms wrap around my waist as he pulls me against his warm, bare chest. Everything about this – about him – is soft and hard and fucking perfect. I don’t even try to fight it. I melt against him as the sun bathes us both in its warmth. He holds me steady as I push against him, and even though I know he has to let me go, right now he doesn’t.

He won’t.

As the wind whips my hair around the both of us, I turn my head back, looking up at him, and say, “You didn’t find me here, Edward. I found you.”

The smooth ebb and flow of this complete, 19 chapter story, from the beautiful beach and resort setting that is romantic and relaxing, to the friendly bartender and his welcoming family, will leave you captivated and wanting to be at Sandstone Cove yourself. Bella “just needed a little downtime” to escape her stressful and complicated life at home, and Barward, while serving up “Sex on the Beach” also offers her more than a good drink, as he leads her to reevaluate her life and responsibilities. And you never know, as a wise cabbie told Bella when she arrived: “This is the closest thing to paradise I’ve ever found. You might just decide not to leave.” I wonder if Bella did indeed make this decision? Well, you’ll just have to check into the Ocean View Resort to find out. Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen…Barward is on drink and sunscreen duty! *wink* Enjoy!

Paper CutOuts ~ Bella prefers the virtual to the actual, but feels herself being tugged from the safety of her online realm into the world of a rough edged Edward. This time she’ll write her own story. Collab with astilbe13 AH/AU

I am showing my Twi-Fic age here, but I read Paper CutOuts when it was a mere WIP, and it is one of those stories that stays with you long after the last word is read. I personally think the best thing about the story is how real it feels – not just the storyline, but the characters of Edward and Bella. Neither are perfect, but that just seems to make them better.

Instead of telling you about Bella’s life before she meets Edward, I think I will let her tell you… (Chapter One)

“There are no highlights in the story of my life, no cliff hangers, no nail biting moments. Everything drones on like the predictable beat of a metronome, no down beats or flourishes. My parents seem to think that this is the their ultimate gift to me. They call it comfort, stability. I call it hell.

It can’t be completely blamed on them. I have been easily led down this path. Every time I had the chance to stick a toe out of line, I’ve gone chicken shit and recoiled back to the familiar. So, I’ve been the bystander. I watched as my friends took risks, stuck out their necks, handed out their hearts, all while I seethed with jealousy.

I sigh as my pen taps out a simple beat against the cheap vinyl of my cubicle desk. At least I’m next to a window. Not something I fought for, just a simple coincidence that the lucky bastard I replaced passed down to me. My phone beeps incessantly at me and I exhale slowly, narrowing my eyes at the black box. I pull the receiver to my ear and try to sound awake.

“Good afternoon, I’m calling to tell you about the amazing results you can get with….” My voice drones on as I wait for the familiar dial tone. I am that person. The scum who calls at the worst time and tries to con you into signing up for a pill that will in no way make you look like Jennifer Aniston, but will be emptying your bank account slowly, as you forget you are being billed monthly.”

As you can see, Bella is not really fulfilling her potential, but she starts to when she meets Edward, who owns the bar close to Bella’s work. After a bit of a disastrous first meeting with Bella nearly cracking her head open on Edward’s bar, this seemingly mismatched couple strike up a friendship which eventually leads to more. Of course, in all this is Edward’s son, Finn – who is one of the most delightful children I have read in Fan Fic. He is a shining star in this story, as is Edward’s boundless love for him. *Sigh – Daddyward! Yum*

There are rough patches in this story where Bella and Edward are carving out their future, but the angst is perfectly balanced with lightness in this story – there are many giggle out-loud moments, as well as the moments where you reach for the Kleenex – it truly is wonderful!

The FicSix are adding another F or two (or more) to FanFic Friday this week – it’s Fearsome, Fantastic, Fun, Fanfic Friday, otherwise known as the Week Before Halloween. Get your scare on and join us for Fright-Friday… costumes not strictly required…

Asylum ~ He is sin personified, wicked and inked, cruelty always at the tip of his tongue. Black wings grace his back, and blood stains his hands. She’s the poison he wants to consume, but can she survive?

I don’t know, but I think darkNnerdy may be some kind of genius. She’s managed to script an Edward (well, actually a Masen) both truly terrifying and frighteningly attractive. I’m warning you now, you need a strong constitution to read this supernatural tale. It’s both dark and addictive, right from the first word:

Black wings flutter under a long grey coat as he sits in the shadows and watches her.

There is a shiver up his spine, crawling and snaking its way under his skin. The only indication of what’s happening around them. Around the bubble he’s placed her in.

“I drew you a picture.” Her tiny little legs carry her all the way to the corner of her yard. Big brown eyes find his as he smiles down at her, taking the picture she drew.

He observes her for a moment. Her wide smile, framed by dimples set in chubby cheeks. She looks so much like the woman inside.

The woman whose blood is staining the walls and soaking their cream colored sofa.

Her mother.

He could protect her, but he’d much rather sit outside with Bella. Watching her play, hearing her laughter.

Even with a heart as dark as night and as cold as snow, the small girl warms him. She’s an enigma. So small and fragile, yet the strongest person he’s ever met.

She’s a contradiction.

She shouldn’t be able to survive, not with him, but she does.

“Do you like it, Masen?” She asks, tugging at his slacks, annoyed that he isn’t paying attention to her.

“I do.” His eyes drift to the sliding glass door of the house as blood sprays across it, and he takes her into his arms, walking them to the swings.

He fights the urge to turn around and enjoy the sight before him.

“Do you think mommy will like it?” Her hands make fists on his jacket, and he knows she can sense what’s happening. He can feel it within her, the unease, the tension.

“I think she’ll love it.” He brushes her wavy hair out of her face, his skin connecting with hers and easing her mind.

It’s a gift he doesn’t use often, something he shares with his brother. Something forbidden with mortals.

He’s supposed to follow the code. Rules set in place centuries ago to protect them. But Masen rarely does as he’s told, especially when breaking the rules is so much fun. When breaking them means he gets to keep Bella.

And Bella is spared nothing – no atrocity is too evil for her to witness, it seems. Life gets complicated, and every chapter brings with it another dark turning, never what you expect to read. If I tell you anything at all about the story, I’ll be taking something away from you, so I urge you to lock all the doors, check under the bed and snuggle up next to someone strong and protective.

In the true spirit of Halloween, read Asylum for the thrill of being frightened and enthralled – I dare you.

World To Come ~ “We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.” – Nicene Creed. In the middle of a zombie apocalypse, a group of survivors leave what’s left of civilization behind. With Florida in the rearview, they begin their journey toward Alaska. Five thousand miles with the undead.

Nothing says “Halloween” quite like a zombie apocalypse. Tension, fear, scruff, muscles, dirt, tough guys, tougher women – CaraNo has skimped on nothing in this brilliant beginning to what promises to be an epic gore-fest.

Bella screamed, putting all her strength into each blow, but the surface was just too small. She could barely move, cornered in an alley by three fucking monsters. Out of options, all she could do was fight with her fists to buy time until she reached a head she could drive a blade into.

She was covered in sweat and grime. The smell from the undead was revolting; nausea crept up, but as sad as it was, she was getting used to it. Her clothes were in shreds, jeans and a too-big hoodie. Hair greasy and tucked in under her shirt in a ponytail; she didn’t want to give a walker more to grab onto.

“Fuck!” she cried out and shoved her blade up the closest one’s chin. He fell to the ground with a grunt, blood and gore splattering all over. Another beast tried to claw at her, but with tears of fury and exhaustion streaming down her cheeks, she managed to push him away for now. “Seth!”

She needed her little brother to be alive. He was out there—right now, fighting. A fifteen-year-old boy…he shouldn’t have to see this. With another scream, Bella’s fist flew out, her knuckles throbbing so painfully. Her only protection was the duct tape that covered her hands. They could bite through, but it gave an extra few seconds.

Somewhere out on the street, a car alarm went off.

Bella was too busy staying alive to give a rat’s ass, but she still acknowledged the fact that the blaring noise was going to attract more walkers. “Seth!” she shouted again. Due to the rotten-smelling blood soaking her fingers, her blade almost slipped out of her grasp, and it was enough for a walker to try to take a bite outta her arm. “Oh my God!” She pushed and shoved, internally weeping…I don’t wanna die, I don’t wanna die…over and over. But she refused to let her weakness show.

She couldn’t quit.

It was amazing how quickly you could harden your heart and pull up armor to keep the emotions at bay.

Love it? You’ll enjoy it even more if you head over to CaraNo‘s WordPress site to see the incredible manips and banners there, made by the talented Lolypop82. She’s promised us some for every chapter. I don’t watch The Walking Dead myself, but I’ve heard it’s great, and it has to be if this story is what the show inspired!

Dark Goddess ~ A free-spirited archaeologist & a shy, absent-minded genius find a 500 year old vampire who thinks she’s a goddess. They try to sneak back to the US, teach her about the modern world, and try very, very hard not to fall in love with the Dark Goddess. OOC/AU/Rated M

This is not an Indiana Jones crossover fic, but every time I think of it, the movie soundtrack plays in my head:

I had so much fun reading this story. It’s adventurous, hilarious, gripping and silly, all wrapped in a parcel of delicious geeky genius Edward and beautiful goddess/vampire Bella. The whole cast and crew have creative roles, especially Jake.

Jacob approached it and added his light to Edward’s. “It’s a sarcophagus,” he whispered. “I know it is. I can’t believe it. Fuck me, I can’t believe it!” He traced his fingers over the carvings and a look of determination crossed his face as he swung his bag off his shoulder.

“Jake, what are you doing?”

“I’m opening it.”

“No, no way.” Edward extended a hand to grip the bag. “Jacob, stop and think for a moment. We don’t know what’s inside, what condition it’s in. Exposing it to air – ”

Jacob’s jaw clenched. “I’m opening it. I have to. I can’t leave without knowing if I was right.”

“You can’t use a crowbar on this, Jake, it’s just wrong. You’re an archaeologist, for Christ’s sake, not Indiana Jones!”

Jacob whipped off his t-shirt and wrapped the end of the crowbar to avoid chipping or scratching the stone. He wedged the crowbar into the rim under the lid at the narrow end and shoved. The lid lifted slightly with a puff of air, scented luxuriantly with that rich, spicy smell. Edward filled his lungs and bent to help Jake slide the lid down safely. Like entering the temple itself, if he couldn’t talk Jake out of it, he’d do all he could to lessen the consequences. They slid it down a few feet and then shone their lights inside.

“Holy fucking moley,” Jacob said mildly.

“I .. can’t … believe …” Edward gaped in shock.

A perfectly preserved woman’s body lay within.

The whole supernatural world, Lissa Bryan-style, is to be found in the Dark Goddess. There are elves – quite freaking scary elves, too. Vampires have their own laws, and Aro is not the usual suspect (a reason enough to read the story in my book). If you want to enjoy Halloween but aren’t in to horror at all, you can still join in by reading this story.

If you have the stomach for it, you can read two versions of Dark Goddess. There’sthe original which seems to have some sort of Edward/Bella/Jake three-way thing going on. *Shudders* Or if you get squicked out by that sort of thing (like me!) you can stick to the version posted on Fanfiction.net. There are lots of options. You can read the story, see the pictures and read a Q&A on Lissa’s Blogspot or her Facebook page; you can read her original version on TWCS; or go the traditional route and read her here story here:

Don’t Fear the Reaper ~ Halloween in Philly is a month long affair. Edward is hunting among the freaks and geeks on South Street when he spies her. Traditional vampires, very mature content. OOC Edward.

Javamomma0921 gives a warning that Edward is a traditional vampire who hunts humans, a premise that may offend some who should not read on, but if you find dark traditional vampires hot, then proceed. I hesitated for only a moment before reading on.

EPOV

The only thing that was different about South Street around Halloween was the costumes. Even they weren’t terribly different from the outlandish things the regulars usually wore … just more honest. It was as if the freaks took the masks off around Halloween and let everyone inside their twisted heads. Not that they could ever hide from me.

The locals here knew how to draw out a party. In the weeks before All Hallow’s Eve, they’d host party after party just for an excuse to drink and grind, dress up and then get naked. I couldn’t blame them either; Halloween was a damn fine holiday.

I could usually blend into the sea of humanity fairly well, despite being cold, sparkly, and undead. But I refused to put on fake fangs or dress up just to fit in. I shrugged past the humans as they glanced leeringly at my beat up leather jacket and torn jeans. I looked the same tonight as I did every other night. And though it drew more attention to me, I wasn’t bothered by their glances. They would never truly guess what I was.

I wouldn’t classify the 21st century as my favorite century—a vampire just didn’t get the same respect today as he did in the sixteenth or seventeenth century—but modern times had their perks. For instance, my red eyes used to be a dead giveaway to all the superstitious bumpkins walking around. When I’d slip and let them see my eyes, I would be forced to make quick work of killing them before they did something foolish like raise a pitchfork army against me. Now, no one gave me a passing glance. Colored contacts were all the rage, and people just took me for an eccentric.

I also had to give modern times major “props” for the sexual revolution among women. That had been quite useful to me. Constantly being forced to woo my prey for months at a time before getting them naked bored me. I often bit them before I got all I wanted from them. The game was much more efficient in the present day. It took me a week at the most before these modern beauties were writhing in my bed, begging me to fuck them senseless. And I did … though likely not in the way they expected.

Tonight, I was hunting. The humans looked at me, drawn to me despite the terror coiling in their stomachs. I could see it in their minds, the fleeting fear that they pushed away as quickly as it came. Their patent denial of their natural instincts was so useful to me. It was almost too easy. When I found my target, I didn’t have to worry about fear driving them away. I didn’t even need to work for them. I simply stood and stared … they always came to me.

Javamomma0921 also tells us her Edward is out of character, and that is true in relation to his diet and the complete lack of guilt for his blood-sucking ways, and indeed, his attitude to women. But when this Edward and his 400-year-old, cold dead heart meets his Bella – quite a mysterious and self-assured lady – he loves her every bit as much as Canonward loves his. Don’t ask me to explain why, but that fact alone allows me to gloss over the taking of human life and wish him an eternal HEA. Okay, I admit it, Edward being so thrilling, primal and sexy helps too 😉 What a sucker I am for a dark, hot Vampireward – no pun intended.

This spooky story gave me whiplash! Honestly, I vacillated between being scared and holding my breath as I read frantically, and giggling like a sugared-up schoolgirl.

BPOV

I hate horror movies.

I hate all things creepy, spooky, macabre, disturbing…

I pretty much hate anything and everything that can be associated with Halloween; spiders, ghosts, goblins, witches, ghouls, skeletons, gore, bats, webs, hockey masks, zombies, vampires, and last but not least…

Dense fog.

How the hell did I get roped into this?

“Edward,” I whimpered, squeezing my boyfriend’s hand tightly as he slowly navigated the truck through the overgrown path and fog that was so thick it hung like impenetrable curtains around us. The screeching of the branches scraping the sides and roof of the truck, as we pushed forward at a snail’s pace, had chills running down my spine and gooseflesh permanently marking the skin over my entire body. “I hate this…you know I don’t like spooky stuff. Do we have to do this?”

“Bella…” His laughing voice trailed off as he squeezed my hand back and shook his head at me. “It’ll be fine. Emmett and I used to come here all the time. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Mmmh Edward, why don’t I believe you?

I fancy SparklingTwilight stirred the perfect portion of essential into a bubbling cauldron: a vial of great characters, a touch of creepiness, a pinch of fun, and a sprinkling of romance to produce Murder at Masen Manor. I doubt she followed a spell book though, just her own inherent skill at storytelling.

I felt I was sitting around a campfire inhaling the heady scent of wood smoke, while a lone eerie voice cut through the night air as the firelight flickered scarily across their face, and every gust of wind was hand of the undead – ghosting across my back. Oooh, I’m as bad as Bella for being a wimp and for getting carried away…what did this terrifying tale do to me? LOL

Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, is a yearly celebration observed in a number of countries on October 31st. It’s well-known for its haunting and ominous imagery, and for those of us who enjoy a damn good horror tale, it presents the opportunity to read the creative and daunting genre of horror-filled, suspenseful writing. So, in keeping with that scary theme, today I bring you two tales of death, but in two totally different presentations!

This haunting collaboration between master storytellers darkNnerdy,Livie79, andRaggdollyis one that will make you shiver and shake, one that epitomizes the theme of thrilling blood and guts horror at Halloween, and one that will have you anxiously waiting for updates to see what the man behind the mask with the bloody machete…will do next!

Silver moonlight sliced through the trees, casting long shadows that danced over the leaf-littered forest floor. In a clearing, among the deafening sound of thousands of crickets, stood a man. The blade of his machete glinted in the moonlight. Dark red blood dripped from the tip and splatted onto the dried leaves below. He exhaled heavily, his hot breath billowing up in a fog as it hit the crisp night air.

His eyes narrowed behind his mask as he stared at the cabin across the clearing. The lights were out, and to anyone passing by, it would seem deserted, empty. But he knew better. She was inside. The only one left of her ten person group who’d decided to take a last minute camping trip before the weather turned cold. …

He stood over her, a sinister smile gracing his lips that were hidden behind a blood covered mask. With one last satisfying glance at her blood-soaked body and mangled blonde hair, he waltzed out of the cabin and toward his home. There he would wait, hidden in the shadows, until the next group of unfortunate fools decided to go camping.

~*~*~**~*~**~*~*~**~**~*~*~**~~*~*~**~*~**~*~*~**~**~*~*~**~**~*~*

Less than a hundred miles away, Bella threw a duffel bag into the back of her jeep and slammed the door closed. Grabbing her best guy’s hand, she flashed him a warm smile and pressed her lips to his. “Is everyone ready?”

He grinned and tugged her closer. “Yeah, we’re taking three cars so no one is crowded. Are you sure you’re up for this?

Nodding in reassurance, she slipped behind the wheel. “Yeah, baby. Of course. I love camping.”

*raises eyebrows* ‘Cause, yeah, you know what is happening next, right? As Bella and E (maybe Edward?), Esme and Carlisle, Kate and Garrett, and Angela and Ben – a group of good friends looking for some partying time away from real life – make their way to these ominous cabins in the “beautiful” woods. They have no idea what kind of frightening fun they’ll really have or what in fact awaits them…

Checking herself over in the mirror, she [Bella] grabbed her phone and headed for the other cabin.

When she pushed the door open, she was assaulted with Kate’s drunken giggles. “Bella, tell E that I can totally out drink him.

Falling onto the couch beside him, Bella gave Kate an indulgent smile. “E,” Bella said, her tone serious, her expression blank. “Kate can totally drink you under the table.”

The room was silent for a moment before everyone double over with laughter. Drinks flowed and stories were exchanged. The light, happy atmosphere a stark contrast to the evil lurking outside the windows. The man moved without sound from vehicle to vehicle. Cutting wires and ripping cables, he disabled their vehicles one after the other.

His hot breath fanned around his masked face like a puff of smoke as adrenaline coursed through his veins. Satisfied, he slipped through the cover of trees and to his home. Once inside, he fell onto his sofa and closed his eyes. He thought about all of the blood he would spill, the pain and death he would cause. Running his thumb over the blade of his machete, he smiled when skin split and warm blood ran over the shiny silver surface. But it wasn’t enough. He wanted more. He wanted their blood.

And he would have it.

*shivers* And you will be shivering too, I can guarantee it! I read all six chapters in one sitting; I couldn’t stop, even though I was scared as Hell… The spine-chilling sense of suspense, of what will happen next, does not disappoint in this disturbing yet captivating tale of death, blood and gruesome murder! Enjoy! *grins evilly*

What’s one of the things we think of most when considering Halloween? Yes, dead people and funeral parlours, and that’s exactly where this little one shot it set…in The Cullen Funeral Home. Edward has been the “owner and operator of The Cullen Funeral Home for a mere decade, not one hundred years” and as he tells us, now that he’s buried all his family, that at the age of twenty-nine, he is “all alone in the world,” well, except for, “the dead that passed through my doors,” he says. I know it sounds like a morbid and sad tale – but then this is Halloween, right? *wink* – but have no fear because “Bella. Bella Swan” is here to breathe new life into Edward’s dull and lonesome life…

Her hands fluttered nervously as she dug into her briefcase. Withdrawing a stack of business cards, she pushed one across the desk. I reached for it as quickly as I could, ensuring another jolt when our fingers touched. I couldn’t seem to wipe the smile off my face that stayed put longer and longer each time I touched this fascinating woman. Reluctantly, I looked away from her to the card. It read, “Til Death Do Us Part.”

“It was Alice’s idea. I worry it might be a little tacky. I mean, who wants to hire a wedding planner with a name like that, I know. Like you just started your new life together and if you book your funeral when you put down your reception hall deposit, you get half off your casket. I mean, we don’t have that sort of a deal… but I just feel like it’s a little callous. Sorry. You don’t have to take those. I realize it’s a little silly.”

I refused to let her take back the stack of cards that were on my desk.

“No!” I practically shouted as her hand tried to tug mine free from the pile. She jumped in surprise at my tone. “I mean, no, it’s really a great idea. Of course I’ll hand out your cards. A lot of people could use some guidance when it comes to funerals. More than I can give them anyway. Besides, you seem like you’d be really good with people.”

There was that blush again. “You don’t seem so bad yourself.”

“When you spend your life living above a funeral home, you become a little reclusive. A little out of touch.”

“Not to me.” She spoke quietly and I felt my heart and cock lurch at the same time.

Oh, yes, LOTS of things cum, I mean, come to life in Edward’s funeral home showroom, and maybe even a fantasy is lived out on top of a “mahogany casket,” by the end of this humourous, somewhat strange, and quirkily romantic *lol* tale!

All 10 Horror/Suspense entries are in, and voting is over, with winners being announced October 30th, but if you want some truly Dark & Twisted fics, love gore and the thrill of hide & seek… Well you’ve come to the right place!

We are grinning like crazy people over here at Rob Attack’s Fanfic Friday, because we’ve been nominated for an award at the Twific Fandom Awards! 😀 If we are your favourite Fic Rec Site, you can vote for us by following the link below. And guess what? So many of our favourite stories and authors and people have been nominated for awards there too. We’re so proud of our dear Midnight Cougar, who has been nominated in two separate categories! When you’ve told us about your fave Halloween fics in the comments section below, head over to Twific Fandom Awards for lots and lots and lots of fabulous reading pleasure. Happy Halloween!

Welcome to Ballsy Bella! on Fan Fiction Fridays as The FicSix review for you some stories that we feel portray a strong, confident, intelligent and “Ballsy Bella.” One who can hold her own, kick some ass, has overcome some of life’s harsh realities, and who, we also feel, deserves some serious respect!

Kimberley Diamond ~ Historical fiction, but not what you expect. In Kimberley, a diamond mining town in the Northern Cape, South Africa, 1872, a frontier bride meets her very certain destiny. An award winner in the Mine to Mark contest 2013, this is PossessiveWard my style.

Kimberley Diamond is a winner on so many levels, not only is it a superb historical read, but also a four-time award winner in the 2013 Mine To Mark Contest: Public Vote Honorable Mention, 3rd Place Judges Vote, Most Original Judges Vote and Judges Pick Soapy Mayhem.

The attention to detail in the characters and setting is one of the aspects that set this story apart for me. It fills my mind with such vivid imagery; it’s like I can see the landscape, the characters’ actions and can even reach out to touch them. The story is set in South Africa in the 1870’s and portrays not only the Cullen clan of father Carlisle, and sons, Emmett, Jasper and a gentle, caring, dominant Edward, but also a strong and resilient English Bella who survives some of life’s worst realities of her time, as she tells Mr. Carlisle Cullen, her “sponsor,” on her way to his home…

I am not a big talker. Any of my acquaintances back in England will tell you how I keep my own counsel, and they would be most surprised at the running barrage I subject my sponsor to on the hour long cart ride to his farm house.

I tell him about the disparate group of women who answered his advertisement for frontier wives back in the English spring. How Mr Felix selected the successful applicants based on their looks alone, and he assures me kindly this admission does not make me vain.

I tell him about how the five of us, Lauren Mallory, Jessica Stanley, Angela Webber, Beth Morecomb and myself, made friends and prepared ourselves for the journey to Africa together. How Mr Felix encouraged us, and helped us, and how deeply we came to trust the man with our very lives.

I tell him how nervous and excited we all were as we boarded ship, and how well Mr Felix ensured we were settled into our little cabin. I describe our anxiety when he left to oversee the stowing of our treasured belongings below decks, and did not return. I explain our speculation as to whether he jumped ship with our possessions or whether he was jumped upon himself, never able to return. And how shocked we were when the ship left port, leaving us on board with nothing but the few clothes we’d brought in as cabin baggage.

Mr Cullen looks sorrowful when I tell him that was only the beginning of our troubles. We were robbed twice, leaving us with so little money for food we were forced to beg for work and kindness. The officer we reported our loss to played us for the innocent fools we were, and Beth and Angela were the first of us to find ourselves horribly compromised. Mr Cullen looks stricken at this, but I do not stop there.

I tell him how quick the other passengers were to shun us all, given our reputation due to the rumours surrounding Miss Morecomb and Miss Webber. Then I tell him how fast they were to change their minds when the dysentery struck, and willing nurses were required.

Mr Cullen looks positively sick when I tell of little Jessica Stanley succumbing to the illness so very quickly, and how callous the sailors were when they tossed her remains overboard. How Angela gave up hope after that, and all the light left her soul. She was the next to follow Miss Stanley, and the three of us remaining made a pact to fight together to survive, no matter what.

As you can already discern, Bella is courageous, a survivor, and now as she embarks on her new life in a foreign country, she hopes to become betrothed to one of the Cullen men; one who can provide her with a better life. When she meets Edward, the passion and intense emotions are immediately present between them; Possessiveward says, “‘She’s mine.'” and Carlisle says, “Such a slip of a girl, but so bold. They are well suited.” For me, she is a fantastic Bella; so strong and very representative of the times, and being able to portray a woman this way is a forte of Gingerandgreen’s.

To our great reading pleasure, the story has now been continued and delves deeper into the lives of this interesting Cullen family. In chapter two we see Edward and Bella together, with marital life starting to move forward for them, as Jasper so teasingly shares…

Jasper

At first I think Pa’s agitation has to do with the way Edward and Bella behaved all night.

They reluctantly join us at the table. My brother acts gentleman-like and pulls a chair out for his wife, who sits down upon it very gingerly. I catch his eye and wink at him, watching for the flush in his cheeks before he hides them behind his large hand. I am not disappointed.

“How are you this morning, Ma’am? Sleep well?”

Bella flushes scarlet. “I am most refreshed, Mr Jasper. Thank you for asking. I trust you rested well also?”

I have to admire the girl; it’s clear she will take no nonsense from the rabble. My brother is one hell of a lucky man.

“Oh no, I can’t say I did. Something kept me up all night, it was too hard to sleep,” I tease.

Em and Riley burst into laughter, but Pa actually cuffs me around the back of my head.

We also see the emergence of some OOC characters, like Alice who, “…is relatively light-skinned, of mixed blood – part Hottentot, part Xhosa, part who knows quite what – and could almost pass for Chinese, if it weren’t for her African-black hair, which she plaits into tight, elaborate patterns every now and then.” Oh, and I like Carlisle, too, he is definitely in a class of his own with his “stiff prick” and “dirty old man” thoughts. lol Don’t forget this is an M Rated fic, ladies. *wink*

Kimberley Diamond is told from multiple POVs, in both chapters, bringing forth lots of pertinent information about the unusual storyline, eclectic mix of characters and the fascinating times in which we experience the story. As well, IMHO, Gingerandgreen is also ballsy for her unique portrayal of some of the characters and the original plotline… I admire this in an author, and have thoroughly enjoyed reading every word of this tale and look forward to more! ❤

The Cullen Legacy ~ Legacy – A gift; sometimes unknowingly bestowed. Bella met Edward in a London pub, never imagining where each would be 7 years later: he a Congressman fueled by ever-growing political ambition, she the woman with an explosive secret that can end all his dreams. But Bella might soon find that revenge isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and that Edward may harbor his own dark secrets.

Ally Vera ~ I swooped on the first chapter of “The Cullen Legacy” when I saw the new story alert in my email (and I may or may not have nicked away from my desk and read it on work time) – and halfway through that intriguing chapter, I just knew that pattyrose had another story that was going to capture my heart and soul.

Cared ~ That’s just disgraceful behaviour! I’ve never done anything like that no matter how beloved the author or story. *wink*

The Cullen Legacy is the perfect example of why so many of us love reading stories as works-in-progress. Each chapter is like a jigsaw piece, a small but vital part of the puzzle that will eventually reveal the complete picture. There is something about reading a story a chapter at a time that makes your emotions run high and you just burn for that next piece of the puzzle. Nothing like a bit of delayed gratification!

It’s impossible not to be enthralled by Bella and intrigued by the back-story straight from the opening chapter. She appears strong but not aggressive, feisty yet feminine, incredibly intelligent and determined. She also doesn’t mind showing us her more vulnerable side and you know immediately that there is more to this stunning woman than meets the eye; underneath, in her truth of truths, there is another story. Bella is an excellent example of the oxymoron that is a modern woman and we would be proud to call her a friend. She’s not perfect, but that makes her all the more perfect, if you know what I mean! There is no surprise there, though, as pattyrose’s Bellas have to be some of the best we’ve had the pleasure of reading.

Seeing Edward through Bella’s eyes (even when you know not all is right as they obviously have a heavy past) is still a treat (from Chapter One)… “He’s let his hair grow longer; the reddish brown mane explodes in various unruly directions. His green eyes are as hypnotizing as ever; even from here they stand out like two glowing emeralds. He rests his weight casually over one hip; his tall frame still lean, still exuding power and confidence. His self-assurance hasn’t diminished one iota. I can tell by that cocky grin of his that he seems to have only grown cockier. He still has that rich, deep laugh that automatically raises the spirits of everyone within hearing range. Bloody handsome as ever, he is – more so if I must be honest. Thirty-one suits him brilliantly.”

When we meet Congressman Cullen, there is no denying he is pretty darn impressive, but it’s Sergeant Edward Anthony Cullen from seven years earlier who made us fall in love with him right along side Bella. He is protective, charming, a gentleman and completely delicious. Edward has some pretty remarkable powers of persuasion! We could tell you about them, but that would be a spoiler alert. *winks* Congressman Cullen is on course for the Senate and then the White House. It seems that Edward is fulfilling his duty to “The Cullen Legacy” which he explains to Bella when they first meet (From Chapter Four):

“So your dad is a politician, then?”

He nods. “And his dad before him, and his dad before him, etcetera, etcetera. It’s the Cullen Legacy.”

“The Cullen Legacy? So you’re a politician too?”

“Not yet.”

“But you will be.”

Again, he nods. “My tour of duty will be over in six months. Then I return to New York and attend law school, take the Bar, practice law for a year or so, then my dad will retire, and I’ll run for his seat in Congress and then…”

“And then…?” I prompt with a grin, because his plans amuse me. He’s quite confident of them, and they are so bloody exact. I can barely decide what color knickers to wear from one day to the next – and some days whether to wear them at all.

“And then…we’ll see,” he answers, much more vaguely than before. He reaches out and wraps a few strands of my hair round his finger, watching his own actions as he twirls the hair round and round.”

Between us we have read more WIPs than we can shake a stick at, but there have only been a handful that evoked extremely strong emotions while reading them – and The Cullen Legacy is one of them.

Once chapter 8 posted there was some interesting dissection of The Cullen Legacy going on between Ireland (Cared) and Australia (AllyVera). We agreed on quite a few things: Mike seems slimy and we are wondering what the hell Bella is doing there, the flashbacks work amazingly well, and Bella is brilliantly written. While her motives with Edward in the present day are concerning, we can see where she is coming from, we understand her bitterness and feel her pain.

The one thing we didn’t agree on was Edward. Oh, young Sergeant Cullen, what have you done?

Ally ~ What is really concerning me at this stage (after reading chapter 8 and 9) is that he just used her and I don’t want to believe that. He took her most precious gift – surely that had to mean something to him?

I truly believe he fell in love with her as much as she did with him. So why? Why didn’t he move Heaven and Earth to find her – was The Cullen Legacy so vital that it was of more importance than her? Was he pulling a “New Moon”? I also can’t understand why he chose to drop a bombshell on Bella when he did – why not tell her upfront? I commend him for being honest (eventually), but *knock knock on Edward’s head* Is there anyone in there? Bloody hell. All that being said, though, I trust pattyrose like no other author – her ability to deliver the “goods” is unquestioned in my eyes.

Cared ~ I’m with Ally insofar as I also believe Edward fell in love with Bella. The essential difference is, while Ally wants to believe the best of Edward, I already do. I empathise with him as much as I do with Bella, even though she appears to be the wronged party. IMHO he was genuine in his promise to Bella but he allowed his circumstances and not his heart to dictate his actions. I just cannot believe him to be deliberately cruel or careless – a little foolish and defeatist maybe, and I suspect, or is that hope, that he finally came to his senses, albeit too late.

These brilliantly written characters make me so passionate I want to lock them in a room and stand guard outside until their issues are resolved. Then again, I’d be denying myself the torturous pleasure of Pattyrose weaving her magic as she slowly teases out their lives, so I’ll just have to be patient.

Don’t worry, we won’t fall out over it – we may in fact be making bets on who is nearer the mark. Now that this couple is face to face once more, we are on tenterhooks as we witness the truth slowly emerge.

Ally ~ He better have a REALLY good excuse LOL…and I am sure he will, pattyrose has never let me down! Of course these are all theories and notions and Cared and I have a fabulous time discussing this fic. I can’t remember itching for updates on a story so badly since MOTU, F@N and UoEM!

The Cullen Legacy – it’s quite possible Sergeant Cullen both viewed it as a curse and cursed it; with the unexpected return of Bella in his life, will it become a welcome blessing for Congressman Cullen?

Where Roads Converge ~ Where Roads Converge » A homeless boy, hitch-hiking in the snow, a woman on her own, running from an abusive relationship. Is she crazy to stop, or are their paths destined to cross? Can this mismatched pair find succour and salvation together, or will their pasts intrude and drive them apart?

Oh heck! I’m so nervous writing this! Why? Because it means so much to me. I want to rave about how well FluffyLiz depicts not only my home country, but also my neck of the woods! Where Roads Converge is set in a village not too far from where I live, it may be fictional, but it’s very real to me – as are Bella and Edward.

From the first chapter I wanted to call Bella and tell her how proud I am that she had enough feist and backbone to gather her wits and all her belongings and walk away from an abusive relationship. She must have been subconsciously biding her time because she protected her independence, and she has a ready-made bolthole to run to. So, on a dark night, in the freezing winter -despite haste being of the essence-she makes her cool, calm escape. The girl has balls!

Depositing everything by the front door, she went to the double garage below the house, and drove her pride and joy onto the road, parking out front. It was the first big thing she’d bought with the money she’d earned from her illustrations and the book advance, and she was doubly pleased with it because she had defied Jake to buy it—he had insisted she didn’t need a car, that he could drive her where she needed to go or she could get cabs. But she had stuck to her guns and bought the behemoth of a vehicle. Not for her, the cachet of expensive and impractical sports cars—no, she had set her heart on the Land Rover Sport, and she loved its size and how safe it made her feel.

And now, she loved how it had got her away from that house. She had no doubt that Jake was capable of putting her in hospital—if not worse—and she had every intention of getting as far from him as possible.

So, here she was, sitting in a motorway service station at one o’clock in the morning, with a sore body, a nicely developing black eye and what felt like all her worldly possessions packed into the back of her car, heading for a house which she wasn’t even sure she’d be able to heat.

She sighed and rubbed her forehead, wincing when her fingers drifted over the swelling under her eye and across her cheek. Taking another mouthful of the rapidly cooling coffee, she glanced up for a moment as a young man entered her peripheral vision. He seemed to be going from occupied table to occupied table, speaking briefly to whoever was sitting there.

Despite her pain and underlying tiredness, Bella’s interest was immediately piqued, as she watched the boy speak softly to each person, then meekly accept their obvious rejection with a polite nod and a ‘thank you’ before moving on to the next one. There were slim pickings at this time of night, and he was quickly running out of options. She found herself fascinated by the mini soap opera playing out before her, knowing she needed to move before he got to her, but seemingly incapable of doing anything but wait for the inevitable.

If you’re wondering if that polite young man is Edward, the answer is yes! Here again we see Bella’s bravery – and her kindness – because despite living through violence and fear herself, she is compelled to help Edward.

We’re not yet privy to what has happened to cause Edward to be in such an unfortunate predicament, but suffice it to say that it’s quite obvious already that he’s a beautiful soul…his quiet gratitude melts my heart and his gentle nature shines through. There’s quite an age gap between them – ten years – Edward is still nineteen, yet has a solemnity and wiseness beyond his years. An old soul, if you will. As much as I think Bella sees an opportunity to help him, and is driven by something he ignites deep in her to take it, I have a strong feeling that he could help her just as much!

I may as well admit it, I don’t always immediately warm to Bellas. They can sometimes frustrate me…but not this one. She doesn’t let a difficult situation compromise who she is. She’s strong, intelligent and wonderfully kind-hearted, and consciously never patronising. I may have a slight girl-crush! It’s easy to see why Edward could fall for her (I’ve got my fingers crossed!), and why the way their life experiences have shaped them means so much more than their age difference.

I want you all to read it NOW…to join in the joy and fear of reading a WiP – we’re only 5 chapters in. For those of you who say that you’re worried that updates will slow or stop, rest assured that Where Roads Converge will update every Saturday- FluffyLiz has pre-written prior to posting. It’s become a regular date for me.

There are many varieties of Brit, but if you want a real flavour of British life, read this…oh, and I haven’t even begun to tell you what a joy it is to read Liz’s beautiful writing!

When I found out that the writer of Barefoot in Texas was posting a new story, I was excited…I knew it would be good…and I was not disappointed! Planetblue really shows her writing diversity, because this Bella is very different. She truly earns her Ballsy Bella title – in fact, I think it’s an honour she’d wear with pride!

Leading something of a double life, Isabella is a professor by day and a wild, sexy and mouthy bartender at her brother Emmett’s bar on a Friday night. She shows no fear and faces down the rowdy crowd with style, wit and a certain charm!

“Who wants another mother fucking shot!” I raise the bottle of whiskey over my head, high above the sweaty and raucous crowd below me. My black boots scuff the top of the copper covered bar, leaving thick rubbery streaks behind.

I lean over and empty the contents of my bottle into open mouths, not bothering to lift it between pours, making a sloshy line across my patron’s cheeks.

I slap the big guy on the end across the top of his head and tell him to move the fuck on, an order which he smartly obeys. The crowd loves it.

“Iz! Iz! Iz!” They chant over the loud music, trying to get my attention and the free liquor I have possession of. One guy gets handsy, so I flatten that hand with my foot and move on back down the bar.

Emmett reaches out to help me down and I jump to the floor. “Jesus Iz, you really worked them up tonight!” My brother wraps his arm around my shoulders and gives me a squeeze. He tosses me a big grin and returns to his post at the end of the bar, protecting Angie and I from the crowd.

Angie hands me a shot and we clink, downing the whiskey to more shouting from the crowd that loves us. We know how to put on a show here at The Steel Horse. The tips are phenomenal.

Also doesn’t hurt that we’re practically naked. The few parts that are covered are encased in black leather.

The subject she teaches also gives off the impression of a woman in charge of her own destiny, comfortable with her sexuality and in control at all times. But she meets her match. Oh boy, does she meet her match. Yep. Oh yeah. Phew! And maybe a WOW as well! Heart-stoppingly infuriating, highly irritating but seriously HOT. Honestly, he really is an Edward to behold..and I would definitely love to behold him.

“You don’t like men behind you?” His mouth has moved closer to the top of my head and for a brief moment I think he’s about to kiss my hair.

“Not you.” My hand betrays me by twitching, which gives the appearance I’ve squeezed him. I swear it was a twitch.

“I think you liked it just fine last week.” His voice lowers and I feel his hand ghost over my hip. “Tell me, did you ever get to touch yourself? I know I interrupted you.” His breath is hot on my scalp and I can’t help it when I feel myself nodding.

He moans and places his lips on my hair. “I wish I could’ve seen that. I bet you have the prettiest little pussy.” My knees threaten to buckle and I squeeze, causing him to push himself against my hand.

Against my better judgment and despite my dislike for this man, I let out a lust filled moan. “Did you..?” I trail off breathlessly, and his cock twitches in my palm.

“Oh yeah. I thought of fucking you in a car. I came very, very hard.”

Their banter, wit and attraction is fierce and smouldering. He quickly recognises what she’s hiding, what she wants – and needs. He knows how to turn her on, and how to satisfy her darkest fantasies and cravings….and he doesn’t disappoint. But maybe he’s not quite who he appears to be either.

Both have preconceptions about the other…and it’s fun to watch them trying to maintain an emotional distance. All the while the readers from their vantage point can see that resistance is futile. There’s certainly more to both of them than meets the eye and despite the hot sex and superficial banter there’s so much we have yet to discover.

There’s probably a bit of Isabella in all of us…who wouldn’t want the chance to break out from our sensible lives and walk on the wild side from time to time? Is Manchu her perfect match? I think so, he’s delicious and such a memorable Edward. I think I may love Manchu!

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